Tonight is a bit of a multi-date situation because we have multiple things planned I wanted to wear something comfortable and something feminine. I went with this knit dress that I wore in Orlando a while back. It's comfortable and sexy, but I don't need to being an additional sweater with it which I love. I was inspired tonight by my new heels which I don't think I even introduced you all to!
We dined in at Mei Restaurant tonight and had a great time. I was excited to come here since the restaurant is a fusion of French, Nordic and Japanese cuisine inspired and led by Executive Chef Alex Chamberlain, who transitioned from his role as Chef de Cuisine at Michelin-starred Kōsen in Tampa. For dinner I also received sake reccomendations from Michelin-awarded Sommelier of the Year Benjamin Coutts who is leading the beverage program.
The inside is elegantly designed with lots of natural colors, fabrics and textures like moat of the restaurants that are in the Bento Restaurant group.
The staff as usually was giving 5/5 with great customer service which is consistentof all the restaurantsI have visites within this restaurant group. They were friendly and helpful and in a great mood which I always love. The restaurant has a full dining area as well as a "Chef's Table" which overlooks the kitchen and that will be open in the future.
The menu is small yet, but they are just opening so things are still coming together. I have Celiac Disease and they were so helpful advising me what can be made gluten-free.
For the current menu now these items are gluten-free:
STARTERS:
The oysters
the grilled veggies
ENTREES:
The scallops
The duck
The lamb
Unfortunately, there oysters ran out tonight so I will be coming back to try them becauae I love love love oysters! We got to try some other items such as the beef tartare (not gluten-free) and the grilled farm vegetables with salmon roe and houde made creme fraiche (gluten-free). The grilled veggies are sautéed and then chilled and plated on a bed of creme fraiche and salmon roe. I love grilled vegetables, but I didn't realize it was cold. It was an interstellar dish though and the vegetables had a lot of infused flavor maybe from a sauce (it was kind of smokey). I would have just liked it hot (peeaonal preference).
If I had to recommend a dish I would definitely advise the duck entree which is served with a side of . The duck was one of the best that we have had at any restaurant with I believe the top beat duck I had which was at The Foreigner; this one was on thay level. It was so tender and full of flavor and the side of swiss chard that came with it was absolutely delicious.
I opted for the lamb chops which came qith smashed potatoes and an interesting yet adsictive lettuc stemmed veggie called Celtuse. I was todays year's old when I realized I love the taste of grilled Celtuse!
We finished with the mango sorbet (I also highly recommend this). The sorbet was very thick and full of ripe mango, it was not like how most sorbets have a lot of ice in them, this one was basically like eating a delicious pureed mango. If you like mango you will love this.
The sake was also fairly priced and eveeyone was extremely helpful with helping me find one that I would enjoy with dinner. From what I see the restaurant has beer, wine and sake.
Overall, we loved dinner and would highly recommend Mei Restaurant for date night. If you dine in St.Pete and you liked Lingr then this place will probably pique your interest! They will be fully open to the public for reservations later this month.
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